Life-preserving float



(No Model.)

I. VAUGHAN.

LIFE PRESERVING FLOAT.

Patented July 27, 1886.

INVENTOR M g WITNESSES: dud.

Ky; Ll, iou/ BY 1 ATTORNEYS.

N. PUERS. Pnwmha n hcr. Washingmn, B4 c UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANK VAUGHAN, OF ELIZABETH CITY, NORTH CAROLINA.

LlFE-PRESERVING FLOAT.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 346,332, dated July 27, 1886.

Application filed Set tcmber 18, 1885. Serial No. 177,495. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANK VAUGHAN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Elizabeth City, in the county of Pasquotauk and State of North Carolina, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Floats, of which the following is a description.

This invention is an improved float; and it consists in the novel construction of parts, as will be hereinafter described.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a plan view of my life-preserving float. Fig. 2 is a trans verse section thereof, and Fig. 3 is a transverse section illustrating a modification.

The float consists of a case, A, made usually cylindrical in cross-section and bent into ring shape, so as to encircle the body. This case is divided, preferably by longitudinally-extended partitions A, into independent airtight compartments a. Instead of partitions A, the case may contain a number of independent tubes, A as shown in Fig. 3. At diametrically-opposite points the outer sides of the case are depressed, reducing it and forming recesses a for the arms of the wearer.

Straps B or other suitable devices are provided, by means of which the float may be secured to the person of the wearer and kept in exact place. The straps, it will be seen, are secured by buckles to the ease, and may be readily fastened in the adjustment of the device into position for use. The recesses for the arms permit the latter to hang down comfortably and in such manner that their weight will be sustained in but a slight degree by the float. These recesses also enable the wearer to hold the float from slipping, audit is easily held in place. The partitions operate to strengthen the case against external pressure, and render practicable the employment of a thinner and lighter quality of material for the case than if such divisions were not used. By forming the independent chambers or compartments, if one or more should leak by loose joint or be broken intoby contact with any obstruction, the remaining compartments would answer to support the person or other object to which the float might be attached.

It is preferred to arrange the partitions longitudinally, in order that if one compartment should leak the equipose of the float will not be disturbed.

It will be understood that the case might be circular in shape instead of oval, as shown in Fig. 1; but the oval construction is preferred, for the reason it conforms more closely to the shape of a person.

The floats may be painted or otherwise treated on their outer sides to prevent rust and to present a good appearance, and may be furnished in such colors as will altract attention for a considerable distance at sea, as red and other bright colors.

The case, it will be seen, will be light, strong, and serviceable. The object in recesses a is to reduce the diameter of the case under the arms, and obviously such result might be obtained by forming the recess from the inner side of the case or in other suitable manner, though the construction shown is pre ferrcd.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new is* Afloat substantially as described, consisting of an annular case having its interior space divided into independent annular compartments, and having a central opening fitted to permit the passage of the body of the wearer, such case being reduced diametrically at opposite points and provided at such points with straps, whereby to secure the float, as and for the purposes specified.

FRANK VAUGHAN.

\Vi tn esscs:

T. I. WILeoX, O. O. HORTON. 

